MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly addressed the media on Dec. 28 to discuss the case of Cornell, a canine believed to be a terrier mix about 2 years old, who miraculously survived being stabbed 17 times over a month ago by an assailant who has yet to be identified.
Cornell, who has made a remarkable recovery, was brought to the news conference. Donnelly comforted him before recounting his assault, stating, “There’s too many people here, I know.”
The dog was found on Washport avenue in Freeport on Nov. 27, and was taken to Bobbi and the Strays, a no-kill organization that looks for homes for “orphaned, stray, abused, and special needs cats and dogs.” From there, Cornell was relocated to the Hempstead animal shelter and then the Farmingdale veterinary hospital, where he received treatment for the stab wounds.
The question of who attacked Cornell remained unanswered. Donnelly emphasized the need to find the perpetrator, stating, “We need to know what happened to this dog. We need to find out who did this to Cornell… people who commit crimes against animals can also be very dangerous to people.”
The district attorney, who served as Nassau County’s animal crimes prosecutor for over 10 years, stressed how seriously she takes these types of crimes. “I’ve seen some horrible things done to innocent animals and I will not stand for it,” she stated.
Gary Rogers, of the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Cornell’s attacker.
Donnelly also mentioned the prospect of charges for Cornell’s attacker, which could range from various misdemeanors to possibly “felony aggravated cruelty to animals.” Behrens, acting director of the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, described Cornell as a “75-pound mutt” and emphasized the need for him to find a peaceful home.
Any individuals with information are urged to call the Nassau County Animal Crimes Hotline at (516) 571-7755, ext. 8.